heavy kind, and the soil in many parts extremely rich. The Manawatu Natives I believe claim the whole of the country north of the Kotukutuku, which was the boundary given by the Wairarapa Natives when an attempt was made sometime ago to purchase that district.

Total Native population, 20.

30th Settlement.—"KAIKOKIRIKIRI."

Is the principal Pa at the top of the Wairarapa plain, and is about 35 miles distant from Te Hawera, and 10 from the Kotukutuku hill. The land between it and the Kaikokirikiri is very stony and inferior. Kaikokirikiri has been established within perhaps 8 or 9 years by a party of Natives from Nukutaurua or East Cape. Their principal man is Te Korou who has always manifested so strong an objection to sell the valley. The Pa is in a despicable state, and the Natives very unhealthy. The scenery round it is beautiful, and although I believe several attempts have been made to rent or lease the grass plains adjoining, the Natives have invariably refused to give them up. There are also two or three plantation grounds belonging to the Kaikokirikiri Natives in the neighbourhood of the Pa. One of them is occupied by a man, his wife and seven children, and is one of those instances rarely to be met with, of a numerous Native offspring. He is one of the survivors of the Rangitane, and although far from being civilized, is evidently very industrious. We found him very civil, and supplied us with provisions which were very acceptable after travelling through the forest. The name of this little village is Te Rua-o-Te-Taniwha, or Serpent’s cave.

Total Native population, 144.

31st Settlement.—"HURINUIORANGI."

Distant from Kaikokirikiri about 10 miles, is occupied by a sub-division of the Ngaitahu, who also recently returned from the East Cape. A new Pa has been built, which for neatness and good workmanship is not equalled by any in the valley. This village is situated on the bank of the Ruamahanga, and has always been a favourite spot. The soil is good, and the timber close at hand. Their intention in building this Pa is to invite another sub-division, of the Ngaitahu, who now reside near Turangauui to join them, with their chief Te Hamaiwaho as a Kaumatu or leader for them. This arrangement will no doubt be carried into effect before the winter sets in, and as he is one of the principal men in the Wairarapa, and well disposed, they will under his advice, settle down peaceably. This tribe is included in the number of those who proposed last year to sell the land.

Total Native population, 55.

32nd Settlement.—"HUANGARUA."

About 15 miles from Hurinuiorangi, is the residence of the chief Ngairo, and is, I should think, the most central station in the valley. It was at this village that the negotiations for the purchase of the land were carried on last year, and is situated on the bank of the Ruamahanga. The change that has taken place since that time for the worse is almost incredible. Several deaths had taken place, others I saw in a dying state, huts decaying and destroyed, and the whole a complete wreck. Nor is it likely ever to recover itself. Ngairo urged the selling of the land, but his expectations in the shape of payments were too large. He has been a very turbulent Native, and used to be held in great terror by many of his own people. His intercourse with the Europeans has made him much more quiet and better disposed. They cultivate in small patches, but principally near the settlers to ensure a market. I observed a great deficiency in the wheat crop compared with last year. This is also the case in the Manawatu, where the flax has monopolised the trade.

Total Native population, 57.

33rd Settlement.—"WAITINGA AND KAUPKEKAHNGA."

Are two small villages or plantation grounds belonging to Huangarua and Otaria, situated on the banks of the Ruamahanga, about midway between Captain Smith’s and Mr. Bidwell’s stations: The soil here is exceedingly good, and last year produced some of the finest wheat I ever saw; a few stacks still remain. The population is very small, only 39.

34th Settlement.—"OTARAIA."

Is situated about 12 miles from Huangarua, and is the Pa built about four years ago when the celebrated chief "Te Hapuku" threatened a hostile descent upon the natives of the valley in consequence of some insult offered by them to his son: he came down from Hawke’s Bay, but returned without doing any mischief. The Wairarapa natives were, however, obliged to make an atonement for the insult, and Ngairo was deputed to be the bearer of a considerable sum of money, together with some other articles of value, and to arrange a reconciliation which he accomplished. Ngatuere, Manihera, and William King, are the Principal men of this Pa, and were the strongest opposers to the selling of the land. The Pa is now nearly a wreck, and since the peace with Te Hapuku, they feel more security in living in the plantation grounds, which are within a short distance of the Pa.

Population, 75.

35th Settlement.—"TAUANUI."

Will soon be deserted—Natives remove to Hurinuiorangi.

36th Settlement.—"PERETANGINOA."

Residence of Te Hamaiwaho, remove also to the New Pa at Hurinuiorangi.

37th Settlement.—"TURANGANUI."

Situated at the lower end of the Lake, distant 12 miles from Otaraia, is the residence of Simon Peter, the principal chief of the "Ngaitahu," who is a peaceable old man. Turangauui was one of the earliest villages formed after the natives returned from Nukutaurua, or E. Cape, under the sanction and conduct of the late "Te Wharepouri." The first party I believe settled at Te Kepi, a small but exposed Bay on the sea coast, having but very little good land in the neighbourhood. When, however, the Europeans began to settle in the valley, and confidence became restored, the Ngaitahu (a sub-division of "Ngatikahuhunu’s") ultimately took possession of such parts of the valley as were within a convenient reach of the settlers—hence arises the comparatively few persons residing in each of the villages, as will be noticed by the annexed Returns.

At Turangauui a neat weather board Church is in course of erection. The Pa is in tolerably good order, and the crops, which are small, promise well. Turangauui is a favourite spot for eel fishing; the Lake being closed at certain seasons, great quantities are caught and dried for the winter.

The Natives of Wairarapa are descended from their ancestor "Kahuhuhunu," who is supposed to have peopled the whole of the coast from thence to the East Cape or Poverty Bay. They are a very powerful tribe, although in many parts uncivilized, particularly those sub-divisions which reside between Wairarapa and Hawke’s Bay; those inhabiting the Wairarapa, considering the intercourse they have had with white people are not much improved. They are far from being industrious, or anxious to obtain employment; and this is to be accounted for by the comparatively easy manner in which they